Almost There

After last night's win over Prince George, the Trail Smoke Eaters have almost earned that final playoff spot in the BCHL Interior Conference. A Trail win tonight and a Quesnel loss against Vernon would guarantee the Smokies a trip to the playoffs. At times throughout the last two months I was really wondering if the boys would ever get back on track. However, once you're in the big dance it doesn't matter what place you start... only matters what place you finish.

I've really liked how the team has played over the last 3-4 games. It really started with the jump they had against Langley, and I think that mental toughness started to come around in the 2-1 win over Burnaby and that war with Surrey. I think the guys are starting to realize the kind of game they have to play. It's a hard working, blue collar style that is going to bring them success. There's lots of guys on the Smokies who can play that solid two-way game and they are starting to embrace it. The Smokies are going to score goals with a lunch pale style. Throw those pucks on net, drive the goal and look for rebounds. That's where their goals came from last night.

Grant Rollheiser was great again last night. 28 saves for his second BCHL shut out. He continues to develop into one of the top netminders in the league.

Casey Shade came through with a goal and an assist last night as well. He's one of those veterans who has to bring that scoring for the Smokies if they want to make something happen in the playoffs. Limbert and Davis had the other goals for Trail. For Davis it was his first goal of the season and a big monkey off his back He's looking more confident tonight all ready after finding the net. Coach Ingram says it was one of the biggest cheers of the year on the bench after Davis scored. He's really respected on the bench for how many times he stands up for the guys. Davis actually won a big fight in the first period last night knocking Lees down with a huge right hand.

There were four fights last night. Lots of scrapping from two teams fighting for their playoff lives. They've had great games every time they've hooked up. Nice to see guys like Kinnebrew, Warner and Ourosov drop the gloves and answer the bell.

After a big win over Grand Forks in their final KIJHL regular season game, Layne Stopanski and Steve Kosher of the Beaver Valley Nitehawks join the Smoke Eaters tonight. Beaver Valley could earn a first round bye in the KIJHL playoffs if Nelson loses tonight against Creston. Otherwise it's another big first round battle between the Nitehawks and the Castlegar Rebels.